Do You Make Your Own Clothes?

Apr 21, 2008 @ 9:00am

According to the Daily Telegraph, sales of sewing machines are way up, which means more people must be sewing their own clothes.

They cite the culture of fast fashion as inciting a backlash and causing people to want to customize their own clothes and make sure it wasn't sewn in sweatshop.

We've had dreams of being super seamstresses long before Season 1 of Project Runway. The idea of making clothes exactly the way we want it - rather than scanning a zillion stores and sites in search of a dress design that popped into our head - and of it fitting us exactly how we want is enough to make us consider taking our own sewing machine down from its high place in the closet, before we remember that we don't even remember how to thread the machine, let alone sew straight lines.

We've been considering taking a sewing class or two to get things started, but there are just a lot of other factors - time (it seems like it's a lot faster to shop rather than design a dress, pick out the fabric, actually make the dress, deal with mending the dress that we probably didn't sew correctly, etc), quality (after all, what the hell do we know about designing clothes?), and, oh yeah, skill.

So we're wondering, do any of you sew your own clothes? And if so, how did you get started?

(Editor's Note: If you make a compelling enough of an argument, you might be able to convince Britt and Natalie to sew their own dresses for an upcoming event. DIY ball gowns? Only if you're inspiring...)

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 9:27AM

I don't sew my own clothes... but I do alter them. Learning how to hem pants, take in waistbands, and take in shirts/dresses has allowed me to buy clothes in different sizes and make them fit me perfectly. Alterations are so expensive!

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 9:28AM

ooh! I've been thinking about sewing my own threads for quite a while now. I mend and alter occasionally, but only minor stuff. There are so many sewing machines out there. What does the job? What's good?! Suggestions please.

posted by syako

Apr 21, 2008 9:29AM

well I have to say, just because sewing machine sales are up, doesn't necessarily mean that people are making their own clothes - it could be that people just are sewing on buttons are hemming their own pants.

With that being said, I'm learning how to knit and am about to finish my first scarf! woo woo!

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 9:31AM

Sewing your own clothes is brilliant fun. I find the patterns available in shops can look a little Christian Fundamentalist but you can get masses of cute vintage patterns for a snip [sewing pun?] on ebay and then customise them. The DIY approach would be meaningless I guess if you coulld drop £600 on whatever dress took your fancy in Marni but it is a better option than constant Zara or Topshop catwalk rip offs.

Threading machines isn't as intimidating as it seems.
XSa

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 9:48AM

i just started takign sewign classes c ouple of weeks ago. I'm realyl glad I've started, but it takes a LOT of patience. Give me a year and I'll be making you's some nice gowns:)

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 9:56AM

I don't sew my clothes... yet. But I¡'m taking classes for it. I do sew my bags! and necklaces and every other thing u can sew without a lot of technique. But I can't wait to learn how to do stuff!
And, ok, make your own clothes takes time, bue can you imagina how proud you'd be when someone tells you how beautiful you are, and u can say "I made myself!!".

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 9:59AM

I've been sewing since I was little. My mom studied fashion and home economics in college (yes, Home Ec was a major) and I always want to put my own spin on things. It's not always about creating something from scratch, it's nice to be able to customize buttons and trim! Saving old clothes and altering them to fit current fashions always makes me feel thrifty and proud of my personal creation.

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 10:00AM

If you are a first time sewer, I would recommend something easy like an infinity dress:
rowena.typepad.com/rostitchery/2006/06/one_seam_conver.html
Have fun!

posted by elle

Apr 21, 2008 10:01AM

"Sew U," the Built by Wendy how-to book looks like a good start to make your own clothing. It comes with patterns and seems really user friendly. I have yet to try it though, since I'm so pressed for time!!

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 10:05AM

I have been sewing since I was 5 and making my own clothes since I was 13 (I'm 26 now). My advice if you need a machine is to find a good vintage one, mine is a Bernina from the 1970's, they will have all the basic stitches and be sturdier than the new ones. Then just start sewing, a skirt would be the easiest to start with, accept that you will mess up. You can always make a "muslin" with muslin or a cheap fabric to figure out what you are doing. Also there are a huge number of sewing resources on the web now, and lots of people who would be glad to give you advice.

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 10:10AM

or you could try this, if you don't want to commit to learning to sew...

http://styleshake.com/user/Default.aspx

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 10:22AM

I sew all of my dresses. As I was growing up, my older sister and I used to really like doing civil war re-enactments. After making those dresses, simple cocktail numbers are a piece of cake for me. I get a lot of my fabric from thrift shops and yard sales, so it's actually pretty cheap to do. It's a really satisfying hobby.

posted by louis

Apr 21, 2008 10:53AM

elle, I just got the Sew U book! I love it. It's been a long time coming but I am finally starting to sew. And the one thing I noticed that is most important is having enought SPACE. Once you get that, you are ready to go (and more willing).

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 10:53AM

I've been sewing since I was in middle school. My mom and grandmother taught me how, and I got my own machine for Christmas a few years ago.

It is empowering take a giant t-shirt and make it into a dress or tank top or even just a better fitting shirt. You learn to see the potential in what you see on the racks, and your options just open up instantly.

I'm about to embark on a dress from scratch for the first time in awhile, and my excitement is building. Once you know the basics of sewing, a whole lot of it comes as you're just trying to make things work.

AND, guest at 9:48am is right... patience is key.

posted by FWD

Apr 21, 2008 10:57AM

Yeah, I sew all the time. It's more expensive than you'd think. I don't think it's ever been cheaper for me to make something than to buy something at H&M or Zara. But it's OK that it's expensive, because you're paying for both clothes and a hobby.

posted by adoreaudrey

Apr 21, 2008 10:58AM

I sew, although not frequently. It isn't to difficult once you get started, but I recommend enlisting the help of a friend/mother/etc. who knows how to sew to assist you on your first couple of projects. Part of the "difficulty" of sewing is understanding the pattern, so a veteran seamstress is especially helpful for decoding patterns. Try a skirt to start out, they seem to be simple to make (avoid excessive pleats or other details, though). Good luck!

posted by etoilee8

Apr 21, 2008 11:15AM

I'm a self taught seamstress and while I have to say one out of three projects fail miserably. . . when you make something that you can be really proud of, it feels wonderful.

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 11:52AM

Even though every project would seem easy in theory, tracing, cutting, and then dealing with your sewing machine's quirks requires a lot of patience. I would imagine sewing a gown is a difficult starter project since the fabrics would tend to be slippery. My advice is to start out with reduced-price "sample" upholstery fabrics which are easy to cut and sew. I own a Singer from around 1968, and it cost me $10 at an estate sale. Vintage machines were built to last, but if you're getting a Singer, make sure it's from before 1970, the year that the quality went down the drain.

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 12:15PM

I sew quite a bit but mostly for my house. One of the greatest things I've made was a Pink silk long full skirt for a black tie party. I embelished it with tiny hot pink beads and wore it with a velvet top I already owned. It was so easy and was a fraction of the price of anything in a store and I had something unique to wear.

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 12:16PM

i really enjoy sewing. So much fun to be able to wear your own creations.
I got into sewing a couple of years ago. What i like most about it is being able to choose the fabric. I was able to make a few pillows for my living room (very easy) that were just the right shade given my walls/sofa. And a while ago I made a skirt out of a fabric that i had lying around that really just made me happy.

about patterns- I think it's easier to come up with my own idea of a pattern than to follow someone else's. This probably only works for things like pillows, skirts and easy dresses. wouldn't try that method with a ball gown. And i would start with cheapter fabrics

on the subject of cost- find a discount fabric store. what they usually sell is the small amounts that are left over by big companies like pottery barn. Anyways, their "small" amount is more than I would need to make curtains or a skirt!

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 12:19PM

After 6 years of sewing--and 2 spent in fashion school--I am finally able to make clothes that don't look "home made". I can go from sketch to completed garment. But the process is a lot of work. Worth it for skirts and pants, which are relatively easy and hard to find good cuts in stores. Also worth it if you want to make a statement for a special event.

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 3:36PM

my mom taught me how to sew then i studied fashion where they taught me to be creative. i love it!

word of advice- i always make a long long skirt and then a top rather than 'ballgown'. they remind me of prom (which i made myself out of candy-pink metalic fabric and i still try and cut myself out of pictures it was so gross)

but the skirt and top combo is far more olsen and cute X

posted by guest

Apr 21, 2008 5:54PM

my thoughts exactly! ive been begging my mom for years to reteach me how to sew, i took a class when i was really little and made my own vest and skirt outfit but i forget everything i learned.

posted by kellyegan

Apr 21, 2008 7:10PM

It's one thing to start from scratch (concept, design, execution) and it's another to modify the work you have in front of you. I can't tell you how many times I've tried something on and said, "This would work, if the hem was here, not here." What's stopping you?

Look through the wardrobe you have for those articles of clothing you never wear because they're awkward, too big, or not practical. Then ask yourself what a little sewing here and there can do.

You don't have to be Project Runway material to look runway ready. The perfect outfit might already be in your closet!

posted by purly

Apr 21, 2008 11:33PM

Actually, I just started sewing! I skipped home ec when I skipped 7th grade, so I never properly learned to sew. It's sort of a challenge, but it's fun.

So far I made a pencil skirt to match a pair of teal Louboutins that I simply couldn't find anything good to wear with.

I'm also interested in reducing my environmental impact by choosing eco friendly fabrics.

posted by guest

Apr 22, 2008 12:12PM

I love sewing clothes, and I wish I had more time to do it! I learned in Home Ec in junior high. You learn the basic stuff in a class, but so much of it is trial and error. Learn from your mistakes. Start with cheap fabrics and easy projects.

posted by guest

Apr 22, 2008 3:43PM

I bought a sewing machine almost 4 years ago and it's been relegated from sitting in my living room to now sitting in my closet.

posted by guest

Apr 22, 2008 5:04PM

i've been sewing for 12 years.

i wouldnt try to learn it thinking you are going to save money. sewing is expensive. fabric is expensive, and then you have to buy thread (good thread ain't cheap), linings, closures...you can make something really fast, but its probably going to look like crap. if you want something nice, that's going to look good, you have to put in the time to make it perfect, do all the hand finishing, ironing (key), etc. and time is money. a given item generally takes me over 12 hours of sewing labor- not counting the drafting.

the factors that prompt me to sew rather than buy clothes are generally price and uniqueness. sewing isnt cheaper than buying a dress at forever 21 or H&M, but if you want something well made that will last and not have to pay upwards of 500 dollars, yes it is cheaper. so pants, silk dresses, jackets are things i will 'invest' in with good fabric and my time.

i don't really waste time on things like t-shirts, because they are pretty boring to make.

i start by drawing, drawing and drawing more until i have the design firmly planted in my brain. then i go the fabric store, forget everything i planned, spend 200 dollars, and start the process over again. then i draft my patterns (i already have slopers so it doesnt take too long...). if its something like pants, i make a test pair, especially of crotch area to get the height correct. Then i cut the fabric and sew... ironing every stitch. then finishing (by hand, because you have more control), hemming, putting on buttons etc.

i would say if you want to get started, the best thing to do would be to take a pattern drafting class.... you will have so much more freedom and understanding to translate what you imagine into something that fits the body, and you will find your work much more rewarding. its easy to modify commercial patterns, but you won't really have an understanding of how to do that unless you know the mechanics of drafting.

as for sewing machine skills, i don't feel these are as important. in all my years of sewing, i really only use the straight stitch and the zig zag. for years i sewed on a vintage 1930s machine with only one stitch and it worked great. a lot of the fancy things you do on a machine- hemming, buttonholes, zipper insertion, are rendered frustrating by the machine and easier to do by hand. really, the best way to learn is trial and error.

the next thing i would do would be to read a book about couture sewing and get information about how to hand finish, how to make things look professional. hand sewing isn't hard- it just takes longer. also, good tips on ironing and facings...

in short (and i know this is long) if you want an understanding of your garments, if you want to make something interesting that no one else has, take up sewing. just accept that you won't be a pro overnight, but its a lifelong skill that you'll have forever, like reading...